Nickel Monitoring

What is it?

Nickel is a silvery-grey metal, and its compounds are often a bright green colour. It can be found in different forms, including:

• Polishing or other processes on stainless steel and alloy articles
• Welding of nickel and alloys
• Electroplating industry
• Pigments for paint, pottery, glass and plastics
• Catalysts in the chemical industry
• Manufacture of stainless steel, coins, magnets, chemical and food process equipment

Exposure can enter the body by inhaling dust, fumes or mist as well as skin contact with dust or solutions.

Symptoms / Effects of Exposure

The toxicity of metal and inorganic compounds vary, depending on how easily they dissolve.

Short-term effects can include:

• Irritation of the skin on contact with solutions of soluble salts.
• Eye irritation from exposure to dust, fumes or splashes from containing solutions.

Long-term effects can include:

• Allergic reactions in the skin and respiratory tract
• Asthma;
• Inflammation of the lungs;
• Cancer of the lung and nose, particularly the sinuses.